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The Louisiana Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of creating a new, predominantly white school district in the Baton Rouge area, a move that critics like East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools board President Dadrius Lanus are calling a case of institutional racism. This decision paves the way for the affluent southeast quadrant of the parish, now known as St. George, to secede, potentially stripping the existing school district of 10,000 students and 25% of its $700m budget. This would mark the fifth time in nearly 25 years that a segment of the district has separated to form its own school system, raising concerns about the concentration of poverty in the majority-Black remaining district, where 90% of students are impoverished. The new city of St. George, which was approved by 54% of area voters in 2019, is expected to face significant educational and financial challenges, including decisions about building new schools or purchasing existing ones. The separation is anticipated to reallocate a considerable amount of local tax revenue to St. George, further depleting the resources of the East Baton Rouge district. This move has sparked widespread concern among parents about the future of their children's education, with many worried about the impacts on school funding and quality.

 

The 74

David Scarlett Wakelyn, a former math teacher and developer of the Common Core State Standards, discusses the challenge of setting appropriate goals for student achievement in light of changing job market demands. Wakelyn references the research of Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, who recommend setting goals that are "difficult but attainable" and align with meaningful outcomes—such as preparing students for college and careers. According to projections by Georgetown University economists, by 2031, 72% of jobs will require some college education, significantly more than the number of jobs requiring a high school diploma four decades ago. This shift underscores the need for educational goals that prepare students to meet these future demands. In New York, while the Board of Regents has updated standards to align with college readiness, the actual achievement levels lag behind, with only 48% of third graders proficient in reading and writing. Wakelyn argues that setting a target of 72% proficiency aligns with the projected need for college-educated workers, making it a relevant and strategic goal for education systems. This target is not just ambitious but grounded in economic reality, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary for future job markets. Achieving this goal would require systematic efforts across all grades, increasing literacy achievement by 3% annually.

 

The 74

Florida public school students have experienced a significant decline in math skills following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a deficit that continues to affect classrooms. The pandemic has caused a massive slide in math education, leading to a loss of direct instruction. National research shows that students have only recovered about a third of what they lost in math since the pandemic began. Math skills were hit the hardest during the pandemic, as they require direct instruction and practice. Teachers are working to fill in knowledge gaps and boost foundational skills without overwhelming students.

 

Orlando Sentinel

The California Department of Education (CDE) has filed a lawsuit against Rocklin USD in Northern California, accusing it of failing to implement corrective actions for a gender notification policy deemed discriminatory. This policy, adopted in September 2023, mandates parental notification if a student requests to be identified by a name, pronouns, or bathroom use that differs from their biological sex. The CDE, which began investigating shortly after the policy's adoption, argues that this policy violates students' privacy rights and lacks any educational purpose. According to a report released by the CDE on February 1, 2024, the policy specifically targets a certain group of students and interferes unnecessarily in student-parent relationships. Despite the CDE's findings, Rocklin Unified has reportedly not complied with directives to cease implementation and communicate these decisions to school personnel and students. The lawsuit seeks immediate revocation of the policy and compensation for legal fees. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions surrounding parent rights and student privacy in school settings, reflecting wider national debates on these issues.

 

CBS News

North Carolina Republicans are advancing legislation to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to eliminate a large waiting list for scholarships to attend private schools. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted for legislation that would spend $248 million to eliminate a waiting list of 54,800 applicants. The program, known as Opportunity Scholarships, has seen a sharp increase in applications. The legislation aims to permanently meet the expected higher demand for private school education. Last year, the GOP-dominated legislature expanded the program by removing income eligibility caps, allowing any family to qualify. However, the increase in applicants resulted in the need for additional funds. Senate Democrats criticized the proposed spending, arguing that public schools need more funding. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's proposed state budget would block further expansion of the program until public schools are fully funded. The bill must receive full House and Senate approval before it can go to the governor's desk. Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

 

U.S. News

Pace Center for Girls released a study emphasizing the importance of building school belonging for teachers working with high-risk students. The study reveals that belonging is critical to teacher retention and satisfaction. Mary Marx, CEO and President of Pace Center for Girls, states that a teacher's satisfaction depends on relationships with students, team members, leaders, and the community. The study also highlights the importance of competence, autonomy, purpose, and belonging for teachers. Professor Marcia Lyles from Columbia University Teachers College asserts that building teachers' competence, autonomy, and shared purpose fosters a sense of belonging. The paper includes case studies from various school and teacher support organizations and proposes solutions such as creating learning communities, prioritizing mental health supports for teachers, and partnering with nonprofit organizations. Pace Center for Girls has developed a blueprint for change based on the research, which has shown early indicators of increased teacher retention. For more information and access to the full white paper, visit the source.

 

Port Arthur News

The Baltimore City school system has implemented an artificial intelligence (AI)-based weapon-detection system in 28 schools. While some teachers and students express concerns about its effectiveness and impact on educational experiences, the system aims to reduce the number of false alarms by alerting only to metal used in weapons. The manufacturer, Evolv Technology, is facing lawsuits and federal regulatory inquiries. The system, which requires students to walk between two scanners, has received mixed opinions from students. A survey conducted after a pilot program showed that staff and students generally support the system and believe it makes schools safer. However, the Baltimore Teachers Union argues that the system is invasive and creates an unwelcoming environment. Middle schools, which often lack metal detectors, will also have Evolv scanners. Critics raise concerns about the racial disparities in the use of AI surveillance systems.

 

The Baltimore Sun

The Green Bay School District in Wisconsin is reviewing new scenarios for school closures and boundary adjustments as part of a consolidation effort. The community Boundary Adjustment Advisory Committee will evaluate these plans, which include building a new west-side elementary school, closing Elmore Elementary, extending Beaumont Elementary's boundaries, and consolidating Doty and Langlade elementary schools. The district emphasizes that no changes will occur next school year, except for the closures already scheduled. The proposed changes will be discussed in a public meeting and two presentations, allowing the community to learn more about the plans. The district also plans to gather feedback through a survey on its website. According to the district, the timeline for implementing the boundary adjustments is uncertain, as it depends on the success of a capital referendum campaign. The Green Bay School Board will make the final decision on the boundary adjustments.

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

The future of over 100,000 students in the Lee County School District is uncertain as the search for a new superintendent continues. Denise Carlin, Morgan Wright, and Sheridan Chester are vying for the position, with Carlin and Wright participating in a recent debate. Carlin emphasized the importance of experience, while Wright questioned the value of experience in light of the district's current situation. The debate covered various topics, including student discipline, the budget, and the relationship between the superintendent and the board. The Republican candidates also discussed teacher retention, recruitment, student achievement, and school safety. The Democratic candidate, Sheridan Chester, did not attend the meeting. The Cape Coral Republican Club, which hosted the debate, expressed openness to holding a meeting for the public and media. The search for a new superintendent is crucial for the district's future.

 

WINK News

A new review suggests that implementing school mandates for the HPV vaccination could significantly boost immunization rates among American adolescents. Currently, only about half of American children are up-to-date with their HPV shots, which are crucial in preventing cervical and other cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. The study, led by Brigid Grabert, found that not only do such mandates increase HPV vaccination rates, but mandating other vaccines also has a "spillover" effect, encouraging more comprehensive vaccination coverage, including for HPV. Presently, only a few regions—Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.—require the HPV vaccine for school entry. Grabert emphasizes the importance of these findings for policymakers, highlighting that effective strategies are essential to increase HPV vaccination and reduce related cancers and diseases.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Moore County News Press

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, millions of students around the world are being affected by school closures. The decision to either keep students in hot classrooms or encourage them to stay home and keep cool has consequences for their education. High temperatures can impair cognitive functions and lower students' ability to retain and process information. This is particularly concerning in developing countries, where a large proportion of children are already out of school and test scores lag. The impact of heat on education is expected to widen the learning gaps between hot and cool countries. The closure of schools due to heatwaves also exposes children to risks such as child labor and child marriage. As heatwaves continue to disrupt education, governments and authorities face the challenge of finding solutions to protect students' learning and well-being in a warming world.

 

Reuters